Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Gardner Seale has voiced his frustration after not a single Amakhosi player was included in the latest national team squad — even as part of coach Hugo Broos’ back-up selections.
Despite Chiefs recently winning the Nedbank Cup, their players were completely overlooked when Broos announced his squad to face Mozambique and Tanzania in upcoming friendlies.
Seale, who earned nine caps for Bafana during his playing days, didn’t hold back in his reaction.
“This squad is clearly a second-string group, which every coach needs. But for Kaizer Chiefs players to not even feature in a back-up squad? That’s honestly embarrassing,” he told KickOff.
The former defender hinted that something deeper might be at play.
“You’d swear there’s something personal going on. Chiefs just won the Nedbank Cup — the boys performed well in that final,” he said.
Seale acknowledged the team’s lack of consistency throughout the 2024/25 season, which saw Chiefs finish ninth in the Betway Premiership. But he questioned how the same players could beat Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC, yet not be good enough for national consideration.
“If you can take down teams like Sundowns and Stellies, what’s stopping you from doing it every week?” he asked. “The issue is clear — players shine in one or two matches, and then disappear.”
Seale’s comments add to the growing conversation about Chiefs’ role in South African football and the club’s struggle to consistently produce players ready for international duty. While the Nedbank Cup win brought some glory, the bigger picture remains a concern — especially when it comes to Bafana Bafana representation.
